Truck Parking Shortage Sparks Nationwide Safety Concerns

Strategic Insights -

A letter from the American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board to all 50 governors and state departments of transportation urges the application of federal funds to expand truck parking capacity. The nationwide shortage of commercial truck parking has led to a growing highway safety issue, as truck drivers are often forced to park in illegal or unsafe locations when authorized parking is unavailable. Law enforcement organizations across the country have seen firsthand how the truck parking shortage jeopardizes road safety for all motorists. The U.S. Department of Transportation has pledged its commitment to addressing the issue and has made available competitive grant programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund truck parking projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board has sent a letter to all 50 governors and state departments of transportation urging them to apply for federal funds to expand truck parking capacity.
  • The nationwide shortage of commercial truck parking has created a growing highway safety issue, with truck drivers often forced to park in illegal or unsafe locations when authorized parking is unavailable.
  • Law enforcement organizations across the country, including the Washington State Patrol and the Florida Highway Patrol, have seen firsthand how the truck parking shortage jeopardizes road safety for all motorists.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering competitive grant programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund truck parking projects, with recent awards including $37 million to Florida and Tennessee.
  • The ATA's Law Enforcement Advisory Board has 37 current members who combine for over 900 years of law enforcement experience, including previous experience as law enforcement officers with experience on trucking issues.
  • The letter highlights the critical importance of addressing the truck parking shortage, not just for drivers but also for patrolmen, troopers, and officers.

Statistics:

  • 50 governors and state departments of transportation have been urged to apply for federal funds to expand truck parking capacity.
  • Over 900 years of law enforcement experience are combined among the 37 current members of the ATA's Law Enforcement Advisory Board.
  • $37 million in INFRA grants have been awarded to Florida and Tennessee to expand truck parking capacity.
  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides competitive grant programs to fund truck parking projects.
  • 25 years of experience in the Washington State Patrol was served by Fred Fakkema, LEAB chairman and vice president of safety and compliance for Zonar Systems.

Sources:

  • American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board
  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
  • INFRA grants awarded to Florida and Tennessee
  • Washington State Patrol
  • Zonar Systems
  • Florida Highway Patrol's Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
  • HNTB Corporation
  • HNTB Corporation